Police warn against shooting guns to celebrate the New Year

by Katlin Connin, WSBT 22 Reporter

WSBT 22

SOUTH BEND —

The New Year is a time of fresh beginnings and celebration.

But, some of those celebrations, like firing guns into the air, can be pretty dangerous.

The tradition dates back hundreds of years. John Adams, America's second president, suggested using guns to celebrate Independence Day. Even though that tradition can be dangerous, plenty of people still love to do it.

"It livens up the sky and we like to have fun," says one man.

"As long as you're shooting up in the air and there ain't no plays flying over, why not?" adds another.

Many people say they take some precautions when firing their guns.

"It all depends on where it goes," said one woman. "If it was in a field or something, it would be totally different."

"We do it out in the country," added another man. "We don't do it in the city, nothing like that."

"Where's that bullet going to go? Is it going to kill a kid? Because it has to come down somewhere and strike something," added another man.

Delgado feels so strongly about this tradition, he agreed to talk even though he's on vacation in Mexico right now.

"This is a very dangerous practice and people should think twice before doing these things on New Year's Eve," he says.

If that's not enough incentive, shooting a gun irresponsibly is illegal. Officers with the South Bend Police Department say you could be slapped with a $2500 fine. This year alone, several people were fined. If your stray bullet hurts someone, the penalty will only get worse.